The Federal Government yesterday announced the appointment of Mr. Habibu Abdullahi as the new Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) replacing Engr. Omar Suleiman who has been relieved of his appointment. Abdullahi’s appointment is with immediate effect.
Formerly NPA’s executive director, Finance and Administration, the new Managing Director hails from Kano State and holds a Bachelors Degree in Political Science and Masters Degree in Public Administration.
Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, in a statement also hinted on other changes in Federal Government parastatals in the transportation sector, “President Jonathan also approved the appointment of three new Executive Directors for the Nigerian Ports Authority”.
They executive director area Engr. David Omonibeke (Executive Director, Marine & Operations); Mr. Mohammmed Sani Saleh (Executive Director, (Engineering & Technical Services); and Mr. Olumide Oduntan, Executive Director, Finance & Administration).
The President, the statement further noted, approved the appointment of three new Executive Directors for the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).
They are Captain Ezekiel Bala Agaba, Executive Director, (Maritime Safety and Shipping Development), Barrister Obi Callistus Nwabueze, (Executive Director, Maritime Labour & Cabotage Services), and Mr. Baba Haruna Jauro, (Executive Director, Finance & Administration).
These appointments also take immediate effect.
The new Managing Director hails from Kano State and was the Acting Executive Director (Finance & Administration) of the NPA. He holds a Bachelors Degree in Political Science and Masters Degree in Public Administration
Our correspondent could not ascertain possible reasons for removal of the NPA boss as at press time.
When contacted, the NPA Spokesman, Chief Michael Ajayi said he was away in South Africa and was making effort to confirm the new change.
Meanwhile, some workers of the port authority, who spoke to our correspondent in anonymity expressed shock and lamented that Engr. Suleiman’s relief was not expected this early.
“He’s not bossy as many in that position had been. His affability is quite admirable,” a staff of NPA who refused to be mentioned told our correspondent in Port Harcourt. In communicating his chock, another staff of the port authority sent a terse text message to his colleague in Port Harcourt, “MD’s gone.”